In: Chemistry
mathematically and conceptually, describe how enthalpy and entropy a re competing forces
Enthalpy (H) is related to the amount of energy that is lost or gained by a system during a normal chemical process.
Entropy (S) can be thought of as the force in the universe that pushes everything toward disorder and chaos. The second law of thermodynamics states: In any spontaneous process there is always an increase in the entropy of the universe.
Where = change in entropy
= change in enthalphy
T = Temperature in kelvin.
Enthalpy (H)
Positive (+) Heat absorbed
Negative (-) Heat released
Entorpy (H)
Positive (+) Increase in disorder
Negative (-) Decrease in disorder
ΔH (enthalpy change) and ΔS (entropy change of a reaction) fit together with G to explain the behaviour of a chemical reaction. Consider the thermodynamic equation:
ΔG = ΔH - TΔS
(Maximum usable (Heat (Energy gained or lost due to
potential energy energy) changes in thermal and positional
of a reaction) disorder of molecules)
For a given G, if H increases then S decreases and vice-versa.